The proposal is for the siting of a cabin to be used as a self contained dwelling in the open countryside. The site is therefore remote from towns and tiered settlements, where future residential growth should be accommodated. The Sedgemoor Local Plan does not identify a need for general housing within the countryside as this would represent a less sustainable form of development given the limited access to adequate services and facilities. It is not considered that overriding justification has been provided that the occupants are required to live on the site in connection with an existing rural enterprise. As such the proposed siting of a cabin for residential purposes would be contrary to Policies S2 and CO1 of the Sedgemoor Local Plan and policy and guidance contained within the National Planning Policy Framework and National Planning Practice Guidance.

The application site is located within Flood Zone 3 which is land at high risk from flooding.This application seeks approval for the siting of a single storey cabin be used as residences - these are categorised as a 'Highly Vulnerable' form of development in the National Planning Practice Guidance which supports the National Planning Policy Framework. Development categorised as 'Highly Vulnerable' is not permissible in Flood Zone 3 and therefore the proposed development for the cabin does not accord with the National Planning Policy Framework, the information contained within the National Planning Practice Guidance and Policy D1 of the Sedgemoor District Local Plan.

The submitted FRA does not comply with the requirements for site-specific flood risk assessments, as set out in paragraphs 30 to 32 of the Flood Risk and Coastal Change section of the planning practice guidance. The FRA does not therefore adequately assess the flood risks posed by the development. In particular, the FRA fails to: consider how people will be kept safe from the identified flood hazards take the predicted impacts of climate change into account over the lifetime of the development (100 years for residential uses) . consider the requirement for flood emergency planning including flood warning and evacuation of people for a range of flooding events up to and including the extreme event and also safe access and egress to the property. demonstrate that a suitable area of safe refuge will be provided in the event of a flood. This should be able to be accessed internally and be situated above the 1 in 200 undefended floor level. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy D1 of the Sedgemoor District Local Plan.